Question
My daughter is 4 years old. She recently started having a slight sore throat, accompanied by a mild cough, and she also has a bit of a fever and seems lackluster. What symptoms might appear in infants and toddlers with tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child has tonsillitis, the first symptom is often a sore throat, and the child may also experience difficulty swallowing to varying degrees. The child may also have a fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. The child may also experience chills, fatigue, and headaches. At this point, the tonsils may appear red and swollen, which is usually due to inflammation and congestion. If treatment is delayed, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. Therefore, if any of these symptoms are observed in a child, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.